Lindsey Vonn is currently in a positive mindset as she navigates the challenging journey of recovery following a severe injury sustained during the recent Winter Olympics. The Olympic gold medallist attended the opening night of the US Open, where she expressed gratitude for her current state, despite the hurdles still ahead.
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Vonn, aged 41, is aiming to strengthen herself in preparation for another surgical procedure. She revealed that she requires surgery to repair her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after suffering a complex tibia fracture just moments into her run in the women’s downhill final at the 2026 Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Speaking on the blue carpet, Vonn stated, “So, I’m trying to get as strong as possible. Once I get my ACL, I know there’s another long road ahead of me, but for now I feel great, and I’m very thankful for that.”
This year has been particularly tough for Vonn, who described her summer as dominated by rehabilitation and recovery efforts. During a conversation with PEOPLE, she mentioned the difficulties she has faced: “It’s been a lot of rehab, a lot of recovery. But I’m finally doing better. I’m able to play tennis now, which was a really big day for me. So, it’s coming along, slowly but surely.”
In the aftermath of her accident, which occurred when she caught her pole on a course flag, Vonn was well aware of the severity of her injuries. Medics quickly attended to her, and she was airlifted to the hospital after being stabilised on a board. To date, she has undergone five surgeries to stabilise her leg since the incident.
Reflecting on her future in skiing, Vonn shared her thoughts on returning to the sport. She affirmed, “Skiing is never work for me. I’ve never worked a day in my life. For me, skiing is about being outdoors, surrounded by friends and family, away from phones, and in nature.” This sentiment highlights her unwavering passion for the sport, even in light of her current challenges.
Given the intensity of her recovery, Vonn has kept her followers updated on her progress through social media. Remarkably, just three weeks post-accident, she was back on a bike, and by six weeks, she was able to perform pull-ups in the gym, despite using crutches at the time. This resilience showcases her determination to regain her strength and mobility.
Her summer was not without its emotional challenges. Vonn admitted that walking has been particularly difficult for her, stating, “Walking is actually still really hard for me.” As she reflected on her recovery process, she said, “It’s been a very slow process. It’s been five months since I’ve been able to go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. I was in a wheelchair for so long and on crutches for such an extended period.”
Vonn experienced a significant emotional breakthrough when she was finally able to walk unassisted again after three and a half months. “I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own,” she said, illustrating the depth of her journey back to independence and health.
With the challenges of recovery still ahead, Vonn remains focused on the positives and has shown a commendable spirit as she works to rebuild her strength and prepare for her next steps. As she continues to heal, the skiing legend remains an inspiration to many, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering love for the sport that has defined her life.